BOB HOPE: AN AMERICAN TREASURE EXHIBIT

The Queen Mary is proud to host the traveling exhibit, “Bob Hope: An American Treasure,” created in partnership with the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation and the World Golf Hall of Fame. Act now to see Bob Hope's reunion with the Queen Mary as the exhibit will come to a close on Sunday, April 26.

Check out this video of Bob Hope reflecting on the Queen Mary's final passenger voyage before WWII.

The 2,200-square-foot exhibit IS NOW OPEN on the ship where Hope performed his first wartime routine on the day World War II began.

“Bob Hope: An American Treasure,” includes reproductions of more than 200 vintage photos, seven videos and more than 170 items. These include an original vaudeville contract from 1922; his Ellis Island medal; the final set of golf clubs used in his life; Emmy and Honorary Oscar awards; an outfit he wore during USO tours; gifts and awards from Presidents and other celebrities; his Congressional Gold Medal awarded by President John F. Kennedy; and his "Honorary Veteran Citation" from Congress, which he called the most important honor of his life.

The exhibit tells Hope’s story through 15 themed displays that span his 100-year life. They celebrate his comedic contributions; achievements in entertainment; relationships with 11 U.S. Presidents; and enduring passion – golf. They also trace the Hope family's arrival at Ellis Island; their lives as immigrants in Cleveland; Bob Hope’s effort to strike it big in New York, which led him to a successful career and family life in Hollywood; and how a love for the military and golf took him around the world.

It was 75 years ago this September, in 1939, that Hope performed his first wartime routine on the Queen Mary. Hope and his wife Dolores were returning from Europe when war was declared. German U-boats were on the prowl, so the Queen Mary’s captain ordered all portholes painted, windows covered and running lights shut off. Finally to calm the nerves of frightened passengers the Captain leaned on Hope to perform and lighten the mood.

Hope obliged, performing his first wartime show in the First Class Lounge singing “Thanks for the Memory,” with the line: “Some folks slept on the floor, some in the corridor, but I was more exclusive, my room had GENTLEMEN above the door”, joking that it was hard to dance in a life preserver.

TICKET AND EXHIBIT INFORMATION:

Hours: Available daily until April 26 - 10AM - 6:30PM
Pricing: Available as part of any of our tour packages - The Queen Mary Passport, The Royal Passport or the Haunted or Historic First-Class Passports.
Parking: $18 (Subject to change based on Special Event schedule here.)
Map: The Queen Mary can get confusing. Download our map and bring it with you!
Please note: Due to the historic nature of the vessel, not all area are easily accessible by guests with mobility issues.
Groups of 15 or more - call (562) 499-1623 for discounted group rates.